25,000 Runners Set to Participate in Brooklyn Half

13.1-mile half-marathon is a centerpiece of the NYRR Five-Borough Series; Runners and public to enjoy free pre-race festivities at the inaugural event of the new Pier 2 at Brooklyn Bridge Park, May 14–16

NEW YORK—The 2014 Brooklyn Half is expected to attract approximately 25,000 runners—the most in the event’s history— for the 34th running on Saturday, May 17, it was announced by New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg. The race is a centerpiece of the NYRR Five-Borough Series, a celebration of running throughout New York City that draws on the unique and inspiring characteristics of each of the five boroughs.

The race will take runners on a 13.1-mile journey through the heart of Brooklyn, from the rolling hills of Prospect Park through Grand Army Plaza, through a myriad of historical communities, to a one-of-a-kind finish on the world-famous Coney Island boardwalk. After the finish, runners will enjoy all of the classic offerings of Coney Island—hot dogs, beer, roller-coaster rides, stilt walkers—and additional programming and entertainment. For the first year ever, MCU Park (the Brooklyn Cyclones’ stadium), will be open to the public for all to enjoy food, beer, and live entertainment directly following the finish of the first runners.

“The Brooklyn Half is an event that allows NYRR to fully showcase the flavorful, diverse, and energizing personality of New York City’s biggest borough,” said Wittenberg. “From the many Pre-Party festivities, to the race itself, we are eager to share the excitement of this celebration of Brooklyn with the 25,000 runners taking part and the thousands of local merchants, volunteers and spectators who support the event and the Brooklyn community.”

The Pre-Party presented by New Balance, a celebratory free, three-day event, will take place at brand new Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park on May 14–16. The Pre-Party will serve as the main hub for runners to pick up their bibs and race materials, but it will also be open to runners’ friends and families and to the general public..

The Pre-Party is a festival of music, food, and shopping that will celebrate the distinct culture of Brooklyn and what makes it extraordinary. The event features official New Balance merchandise, including vintage-inspired T-shirts designed by Brooklyn native Ouigi Theodore of the Brooklyn Circus; an outdoor beer garden featuring local beer and wine; local food vendors and trucks (Chickpea & Olive, Morris Grilled Cheese, PipSnacks, and more); an acoustic stage featuring live music curated by Baeblemusic, with rotating local house DJs and musicians on each of the three days; and other interactive elements that are sure to enhance each runner’s expo experience. The new venue is five acres of recreational space—including basketball, handball, shuffleboard, and bocce courts, plus a full size roller-skating rink. Hours and more information can be found here.

The Brooklyn Half is part of NYRR’s Run the City program, a retail incentive program that supports local businesses and economies in the communities where its races are held. The program offers race participants and spectators discounts and special offers at restaurants, stores, and attractions. More than 50 businesses in neighborhoods throughout Brooklyn—Park Slope, DUMBO, Ocean Parkway, Williamsburg, Prospect Heights, Coney Island, and Boerum Hill–Cobble Hill—are participating in this year’s program. Discounts and special offers include local shopping deals at retail stores in the area, like By Brooklyn, and dining options and reduced final bills at restaurants including Bar San Miguel, Famiglia Pizzeria, and The Runner. Finally, all runners and spectators are encouraged to spend the day in Brooklyn with offers for reduced tickets to Coney Island Tours, Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, and Luna Park, plus many more opportunities and offers.

Following the race, ABC7 will take viewers on an insider’s look at the Brooklyn Half on Saturday, May 31, at 1:30 p.m.. The broadcast will highlight inspiring runner stories, capture the fun of the race Pre-Party and spotlight some of Brooklyn’s coolest neighborhoods associated with the race.